An intense heatwave sweeping across Europe is putting increasing pressure on energy infrastructure, raising concerns over power outages, grid stability, and rising electricity costs in several countries.
French electricity distributor Enedis warned that extreme temperatures are affecting underground power networks, with temperatures beneath the ground reaching as high as 80°C.
The company cautioned that such conditions could weaken parts of the electricity grid, increasing the risk of network failures, technical faults, and localized power cuts.
According to Enedis, while backup lines are available, the likelihood of faults is expected to rise in the coming days as the heatwave persists.
The soaring temperatures have also impacted electricity generation. France’s state-owned energy company EDF temporarily shut down a reactor at the Golfech nuclear power plant to comply with environmental regulations limiting the temperature of water discharged into the Garonne River.
The company said the shutdown was necessary to avoid exceeding the river’s permitted warming threshold during the heatwave.
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity could place additional strain on infrastructure, including power and water supplies, while also posing broader risks to public health. ERMD